Melbourne Stream Traction Engine Club

The protection, preservation, conservation and restoration of industrial heritage and related machinery is often overlooked in social histories. As the importance of the industrial heritage of Victoria and Australia has become more prominent, the Melbourne Steam Traction Engine Club (MSTEC) was established by volunteers to enable like-minded volunteers to preserve this part of our history. The Melbourne Steam Traction Engine Club was established in Melbourne over 45 years ago and is located at 1200 Ferntree Gully Rd Scoresby, Victoria, Australia. On site there is an extensive collection of Mobile Steam, Stationary Steam Engines, Stationary IC Engines, Diesel engines, Diesel Generator sets, Tractors and other mobile machinery. [Members Handbook, 3rd edition - Aug 2008]

Infobox Organization
name = Melbourne Steam Traction Engin Club


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size = 160+
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msize = (map size, optional, default 200px)
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abbreviation = MSTEC
motto =
formation = 1963
extinction =
type = Not for Profit
status = Incorporated
purpose = Steam and industrial heritage preservation
headquarters = 1200 Ferntree Gully Road
location = Scoresby, Victoria
region_served =
membership =
language =
leader_title = President
leader_name = Ross Lloyd
main_organ = committee
num_staff = 0
num_volunteers = 160+
budget =
website = http://home.vicnet.net.au/~mstec/index.htm
remarks =

History

Formed in 1963 the MSTEC has been at it's present 6½ hectare site in Scoresby, Victoria since 1986 when the land was leased from the MMBW. The site was originally a depot used for the tunnelling of the main trunk sewer and was a desolate waste land when the club took it over. Since occupation, the site as been developed with landscaping, tree planting, installation of the rail track, construction of the 9 sheds and toilet block and a man made lake. [Members Handbook, p.5]

National Steam Centre Display

The engines on display at the National Steam Centre represent many years of collection and restoration efforts by the members. In addition to the engines owned by the club, a number of members' privately owned engines are kept at the centre. A particular effort has gone into ensure Australian steam and industrial heritage is persevered for Australians, rather than shipping engines out of the country.

Run Days

Many of the engines on display are operated on the last Sunday of each month. This unique opportunity allows visitors to see many of the steam and diesel stationary engines running, including several steam Traction engines, steam rollers and tractors operating in the central arena. Rides aboard the miniature steam railway are a highlight!

Annual Rally

The club's annual rally, known as the Scoresby Steamfest is held on the long week end in March each year when many of the beautifully restored MSTEC engines are operated. Exhibits from many other associated clubs and historic engine associations are also displayed and operated.

Railway

The miniature railway operates every Sunday, weather permitting, from 11am to 4pm, excepting for Christmas - New Year. The track runs for about 1km around the perimeter of the site. On the trip you pass the lake complete with numerous ducks and other water birds, you see the cattle grazing on the nearby farmland and you view some of the museum machinery around the track.

The line is only set up to run a single train at any one time. On the last Sunday of the month the train is pulled by a 4-4-2 steam locomotive. On other Sundays the diesel outline engine is used.

The grounds have shady trees, picnic tables and wood fired BBQ's for a picnic outing. There is no charge for admission to the grounds except for some special events like the annual rally.

External links

* http://home.vicnet.net.au/~mstec/index.htm

References